Compact 3-12s, 4-16s

[Tanner]

The compact 3-12 and one or two others in the 4-16 range has me kind of intrigued. I’m well aware there are no free lunches and a guy should probably stick to the 4 or 5 scope manufacture that actually work…

That being said has anybody messed around with any of the Chinese stuff like the USO TS-12 or GPO 4-16 compact, and been able to see if they’re actually a repeatable and durable scope?

I can get the 4-16 GPO for about $500 and it seems like for the money it would be worth at least trying out and beating on it a little bit.

Are there any others in this class that I’m missing that are worth a darn?

 

[SEtoNWHunter]

These are sold by a bunch of brands, but seemingly all the same scope. Definitely not worth $500 to me but I don't own one. Maybe worth considering for $300 or less, if you are ok with a Chinese "white label" scope.

Primary Arms just released a version with 3 reticle options for $350 and cheaper when on sale.

Primary Arms SLx Compact 4-16X44mm FFP Rifle Scope - Illuminated ACSS Deka G2 Reticle

The SLx® 4-16x44mm FFP Rifle Scope extends the trusted SLx optic line into the mid-power precision space, delivering a versatile magnification range in a surprisingly compact footprint.

www.primaryarms.com

I think the Vector Veyron is the same scope too and much cheaper but it is marketed for "air guns".

Here is a very in depth review that basically says they're not great.

 

[KY_coop]

I had a us optics 3-12. Its reticle is pretty thin and it doesn't do anything particularly well outside of being small. I got rid of it.
I like my gpo binos and its made me think of snagging a 4-16 to check out

 

[Tanner]

I had a us optics 3-12. Its reticle is pretty thin and it doesn't do anything particularly well outside of being small. I got rid of it.
I like my gpo binos and its made me think of snagging a 4-16 to check out

I’m pretty impressed with my 8x40 RangeGuides too, especially for the money. Glass seems damn good and the laser is legit.

Could be worth the price of admission if the 4-16 has a useful reticle and is repeatable. Pretty damn good form factor even if the glass is crummy above 12-13x.

 

[Kbhillhunter]

Trijicon ascent 3-12 can be found for that price, 17oz

 

[Shortschaf]

+1 to the us optics ts12 being pretty bad.
Reticle was ridiculously small. Didnt even keep it for a 22lr. Optically was usable but not impressive either

Did get a Vector 2-8 for the 22 though (same factory as the TS12) Chinese as hell and SFP but only 13oz, happy enough for $100

GPO 4-16 looks to be made the same as the Vector and USO TS12. I would not have high expectations or put it on a serious rifle

 

[Tanner]

Trijicon ascent 3-12 can be found for that price, 17oz

Haven’t been able to find much feedback on that scope in particular regarding durability and function but Trijicon appears to be making them the right way. That’s a good option for sure. Huron had also caught my eye.

 

[Kbhillhunter]

Haven’t been able to find much feedback on that scope in particular regarding durability and function but Trijicon appears to be making them the right way. That’s a good option for sure. Huron had also caught my eye.

There is a 3-12 huron. Basically the same scope just different reticle, and finish. Trijicon is well regarded here

 

[BLJ]

Is there a particular reason for wanting a compact?
Also the mag range?

 

[Tanner]

Is there a particular reason for wanting a compact?
Also the mag range?

It’ll be mounted on a 16” Kimber Montana 6.5 Creed so figured it may be an interesting pairing.

Shooting past 600 on 1.5-2 Minute sized targets anymore, I find myself wanting more than 9/10x on the top end, and I’ve sold all of my 2.5-10 NF’s and 3-9 SWFAs for that reason. So, I’ve painted myself into a funny compact corner with my parameters

 

[BLJ]

Do you have a max weight?

 

[Kimber7man]

PMII 10x42……….

 

[Tanner]

PMII 10x42……….

I told Kyle I wanted one… literally 20 minutes later one popped up for sale here and I chickened out and Greenhorn grabbed it… unreal

 

[Tanner]

Do you have a max weight?

20-22 would be about ideal to stick around on the top end.

 

[Kimber7man]

I told Kyle I wanted one… literally 20 minutes later one popped up for sale here and I chickened out and Greenhorn grabbed it… unreal

He’s a smart one….

 

[Stocky]

It’ll be mounted on a 16” Kimber Montana 6.5 Creed so figured it may be an interesting pairing.

Shooting past 600 on 1.5-2 Minute sized targets anymore, I find myself wanting more than 9/10x on the top end, and I’ve sold all of my 2.5-10 NF’s and 3-9 SWFAs for that reason. So, I’ve painted myself into a funny compact corner with my parameters

What are your plans for rings? They have zero realistate to mount and eyebox is critical. I had the GPO and would require a Pic rail to mount on my kimbers in a usable position.
Parallax is annoying far off markings. I sold mine pretty quick as the Pic rail added significant weight.

For 20oz you could get a March 3-24 and just pretend its doesnt go above 18x. The reticle is pretty good (way better than the GPO). Dials accurately and appears to hold zero glued into custom pinned Talley's on a Howa. Yes they are kinda spendy but they win in weight, reticle, dialing, and zoom.

 

[BLJ]

20-22 would be about ideal to stick around on the top end.

All 3 are a little heavier than what you’re looking for. All 3 less than 24 but more than 22.

Arken EPL 4-16
Athlon Midas Tac 4-16
Athlon Heras 2-12.

 

[Tanner]

What are your plans for rings? They have zero realistate to mount and eyebox is critical. I had the GPO and would require a Pic rail to mount on my kimbers in a usable position.
Parallax is annoying far off markings. I sold mine pretty quick as the Pic rail added significant weight.

For 20oz you could get a March 3-24 and just pretend its doesnt go above 18x. The reticle is pretty good (way better than the GPO). Dials accurately and appears to hold zero glued into custom pinned Talley's on a Howa. Yes they are kinda spendy but they win in weight, reticle, dialing, and zoom.

I use a rail on this rifle so mounting options should be fairly straight forward with some medium Leup
Backcountry rings.

The March scopes intrigued me a lot before I saw the price versus function failure when Form tested them. They do check a lot of boxes but if they can’t retain zero I’m pretty much out…

Edit: had to go back and re read on the March scopes. Looks like the 1.5-15 functioned pretty well and that’s a pretty interesting setup, pretty stout little booger…

 

[Paperclip321]

I have the Vector Continental 2-12x44 SCFF-69 reticle which is basically the same as the premium vortex 1-10 EBR-9 BDC reticle but better. This scope is perfect on an AR platform too, for the price and features this is hard to beat.
https://vector2007.com/products/continental-x6-2-12x44-mpvo-rifle-scope

 

[Stocky]

I use a rail on this rifle so mounting options should be fairly straight forward with some medium Leup
Backcountry rings.

The March scopes intrigued me a lot before I saw the price versus function failure when Form tested them. They do check a lot of boxes but if they can’t retain zero I’m pretty much out…

Edit: had to go back and re read on the March scopes. Looks like the 1.5-15 functioned pretty well and that’s a pretty interesting setup, pretty stout little booger…

Yeh I'd only buy them second hand especially in NZ and they arent perfect but I know a few 3-24 that have very likely killed more animals than most ever will in the states (culling). They get regularly zero checked with photos as proof. Sure they havent been "drop tested" but they arent short of use in our environment.

I have no reason to think the GPO would of held zero but I can say ergonomically it was trash and the reticle wasn't very good its finer in person.

Also in saying that I broke an RS1.2 by dropping it and they are considered sound. Some drops are just bad.